The first experiment: seventh New York cavalry, 1862
The men on dress parade here, in 1862, are much smarter, with their band and white gloves, their immaculate uniforms and horses all of one color, than the troopers in the field a year later.
It was not known at that time how important a part the cavalry was to play in the great war. The organization of this three months regiment was reluctantly authorized by the War Department in Washington.
These are the Seventh New York Cavalry, the “Black horse,” organized at Troy, mustered in November 6, 1861, and mustered out March 31, 1862.
They were designated by the State authorities Second Regiment Cavalry on November 18, 1861, but the designation was changed by the War Department to the Seventh New York Cavalry.
The seven companies left for Washington, D. C., November 23, 1861, and remained on duty there till the following March.
The regiment was honorably discharged, and many of its members saw real service later.
General I. N. Palmer, appears in the foreground with his staff, third from the left.

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